3 Ways to Host a Zero-Waste Grad Party
When our daughter graduated from high school she really wanted to have a zero-waste graduation party. With so many people invited, I knew it would be a challenge to educate everyone during the party, so we kept things simple. It turned out to be lots of fun, and people where excited to learn more about recycling and composting.
Green at Home Challenge: Zero-Waste Graduation Party
1. Compostable Dinnerware
We stayed away from shiny paper plates that had school colors and went with compostable plates from LitonEco.com. There are many compostable plates available in stores and online – just stay away from the coated ones. We also used compostable cups. Any paper napkin is compostable. (Compostable fallen palm leaf plates pictured above.)
2. Borrowed Silverware with Wash Station
For silverware, we set up a cute, small table with a wash bucket full of warm soapy water to put dirty utensils in, and hired the younger sibling to keep them washed throughout the event. I picked up an extra set (we entertain a lot) and borrowed other silverware sets from my neighbors so that I had lots on hand.
3. Recycle and Compost Station
In a corner in the yard we had the recycle bin for cans and bottles. Then, we took big paper yard bags and stapled examples of what could be tossed in them to help guide our guests. Upon welcoming our guests, we would direct them to the food and bathrooms, then we had fun adding that we were hosting a zero-waste party and pointed out the recycle compost area in the corner.
When all was done, we felt we had really made a difference as we took out five large yard bags ready for compost and a full recycle bin!
Enjoy your kids while they are home and save a little bit of earth for their future!
– The Gang at Wood from the Hood
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